The talent agency already works with a number of podcast companies and talent, and now its pipeline for new audio content is a bit wider. UTA has struck a deal to buy Fletcher & Company, a full-service publishing agency working with fiction and non-fiction writers. Since its launch in 2015, UTA’s Publishing division has been a rising force in the industry. Its roster of authors features several that also produce podcasts, including Ashely Flowers and Guy Raz, among others.
“This is an important chapter in the growth of UTA Publishing, underscoring our commitment to being a best-in-class home for authors and their work,” UTA President David Kramer said. “We believe in the power of books to drive culture and the many ways we can collaborate throughout UTA to bring them to life across the entire entertainment ecosystem.”
Terms of the sale were not released. Founded in 2003, New York-based Fletcher & Company will become part of the UTA Publishing division. Founder and CEO Christy Fletcher will co-lead the expanded UTA Publishing with current head Byrd Leavell. The entire team at Fletcher & Company will join UTA, including veteran agents Rebecca Gradinger, Eric Lupfer, Grainne Fox, Lisa Grubka and Peter Steinberg. Fletcher & Company’s staff will join UTA Publishing in UTA’s New York office.
“The arrival of Christy, a close friend and brilliant agent, and her remarkable group will add up to a unified, powerful UTA Publishing team uniquely positioned to become the ideal home for authors around the world. To say excitement levels are high would be an understatement,” said Leavell.
The Fletcher & Company transaction also continues the momentum from UTA’s June 2022 acquisition of the U.K.-based Curtis Brown Group. UTA says it will also “actively collaborate” with other publishing agencies and authors, allowing them to tap into the company’s capabilities—including in audio.